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Hartigan, 21, was selected with the Crows’ first pick (No.14 overall) in last year’s Rookie Draft. A 194cm, 96kg, defender, Hartigan was overlooked in the draft as an 18-year-old, but captured the attention of the Crows recruiters with a strong season at full-back for VFL side, Werribee, in 2012.

Hartigan has been in excellent form for SANFL club South Adelaide and coach Brenton Sanderson said the former AIS-AFL Academy member had earned his promotion.

“It’s great recognition for Kyle,” Sanderson said.

“He’s had to do it the hard way as a mature-age rookie and he’s had a great season in the SANFL.”

Hartigan takes injured defender Brent Reilly’s place on Adelaide’s senior list and is now eligible for selection against West Coast this week.

Reilly, who is scheduled for a season-ending shoulder reconstruction, joins forward Taylor Walker on the long-term injury list.

Hartigan is the second Crows rookie to earn an upgrade this season, following in the footsteps of impressive small defender Rory Laird.